Sunday, February 10, 2013

One Billion Rising

In the foreground is Pasadena's All Saints Episcopal Church. It faces City Hall across Euclid Avenue. Beyond is what remains of the historic Maryland Hotel.

On Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14th at 11:30am, All Saints Church will host Pasadena's participation in One Billion Rising. The movement's aim is to bring awareness to the problem, worldwide epidemic, and god damned (and I do mean god damned) tradition of violence against women. 1 of every 3 women has been a victim of such violence. This movement is necessary, and I want it to be powerful.

I was shocked and moved by this 3 minute film. It came in last week's Wired Women newsletter from Monica Hubbard. Monica compiles the week's local information to help women empower themselves politically, artistically, economically, etc. To sign up for Wired Women, click www.mjhubbard.com/wiredwomen. It's free, but you are welcome to make a donation if you like.

The One Billion Rising video fired me up. All Saints Church made a video, too, and it will delight you. I think it might be fun to go dance with these people.

I agree w/Dive, it does seem ironic that its being held in a church, then again, maybe the church has had an awakening on oppression? if so- thank God.. better late than never, I suppose. Tho it should never of become an issue at all! And damn the ones who are responsible.

I should make it clear that this is not a "church" movement, it's a worldwide movement and Pasadena's contribution happens to be taking place in a church. Check the website to find an event in your area at a gym, at a park, wherever people gather.

I'd also like to make clear that All Saints Episcopal in Pasadena is famous for being liberal. For example, the church is a leader in the fight for gay marriage in California, and the employer of Susan Russell, a well-known gay rights activist who is also a priest there.

All Saints is often in the national news. Despite protests and hate mail, All Saints hosted the MPAC this past December (with the support of its congregation and most of its community, I might add).

And what was that big story from a couple of years ago? I can't remember. They were in the headlines every day.

In other words, if I wanted to go to a church, this is the one I would go to. It's places like this where God can make some progress on this planet, as opposed to regress.

Is there nothing Ed Bacon can't do? He dances really well in this video.

I wish all the women of the world would stand up against bullying men. Why don't they? Because they're protecting their children? Because if the father went to jail, they would be destitute? Because it says in their religion that they have to submit? Because their extended family would punish/kill them? I hope this movement spreads like wildfire.

Bellis, sometimes the man is just stronger than you and you're physically unable to fight him off. Or he has a knife or a gun. Sometimes standing up means you die.

Or the other reasons you mentioned.

Chieftess, I'm the wrong person to ask. "Double Divas" and its like are one of the reasons I no longer have a TV (hear that, Hiker?). Plus the internet is so much more interesting, which explains the desperation of such programming.

Thank you for this post as I'd never heard of One Billion Rising. That was indeed a shocking film, but those of us who don't live with the threat of violence need to be reminded that so many many women in the world do. And kudos to All Saints for participating, although as a lapsed Episcopalian I'm not at all surprised by their involvement based on the progressive positions regarding women I've seen the church take, including allowing me to be an acolytes in the early 70s when I'm sure other churches wouldn't have allowed girls to do so. I would happily dance at All Saints if I lived in Pasadena!

I wasn't aware of this movement either. It is horrifying and shocking at the violence that continues to happen to women everywhere. Kudos for All Saints Church for hosing and participating in this event. And kudos to you for passing along the word.

The Church's 2000 year battle with women's rights? You've got to be kidding. Various chuches have been at the forefront of assisting women in all kinds of ways. The basic message of Christianity is to love others. Sure, there have been mistakes but the incredibly positive influence of Christianity on human rights is without question. Be careful that biases don't muddy your thinking.